Everyday Acts Against Racism: Raising Children in a Multiracial World

Edited by the author of Crossing the Color Line (Rutgers Univ. Pr., 1996), this anthology aims to be a resource for parents who wish to teach their children to be antiracist by providing "descriptions of actions mothers, especially feminist mothers, had taken against racism." The contributors, 20 women and one male feminist ranging in age from the twenties to the sixties, represent several racial and cultural backgrounds and include 14 academics. This breadth provides insight into many aspects of racism, e.g., issues unique to mixed-race families. The writing is consistently good, though mostly anecdotal, with some references to studies or other literature. Major premises are that passive antiracism perpetuates racism and that racism must be addressed directly and as it occurs. One of only a few books addressing the issue of raising children to be antiracist, this anthology is unique in its feminist treatment of the topic. This thought-provoking coverage of a timely topic with some unusual and unconventional responses is well recommended for public libraries.
Carol R. Nelson, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.